AI ‘Boneview’ project delivering real-time benefits to patients in Northern Ireland

From L-R: Jacinta McAtamney (BSO NIPACS+ Senior Project Manager), Dr. Anton Collins (Consultant Radiologist and SRO of NIPACS+ Programme), Eddie Ritson (DHCNI Director of Digital Transformation & Innovation), Mike Nesbitt (Minister of Health), Joanne Allison (BSO NIPACS+ Programme Manager), Melissa Cochrane (BSO Head of Programme Delivery)

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has hailed the success of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) project transforming X-ray diagnostics across Northern Ireland’s hospitals.

During a visit to Antrim Area Hospital, Minister Nesbitt saw first-hand how the ‘Boneview’ project is helping clinicians in Emergency Departments (EDs) quickly and accurately identify fractures, dislocations, and effusions — delivering faster, safer care for patients.

Led by the Business Services Organisation (BSO), the AI-enhanced algorithm supports doctors and healthcare staff in interpreting X-rays, particularly within Minor Injury Units.

The technology assists clinicians in detecting fractures in patients as young as two years old, improving diagnostic accuracy while helping to reduce waiting times.

‘Making a Real Difference’ in Emergency Care

Speaking during his visit, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said:

“This technology is already making a difference to how efficiently and effectively our Emergency Departments and Minor Injury Unit clinicians can treat patients. With missed fracture rates decreasing significantly, the project is delivering real-time benefits to patients.

“I’m excited about the potential this project has to improve and streamline workflows, enhance diagnostics and most importantly, improve patient care.”

The project has so far been implemented across four of the five Health and Social Care Trusts, with plans to complete the rollout soon — making it the first region-wide NIPACS+ Imaging AI deployment in Northern Ireland.

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust was the first to introduce the Boneview technology earlier this year.

Enhancing Diagnosis, Not Replacing Doctors

From L-R: Jacinta McAtamney (BSO NIPACS+ Senior Project Manager), Dr. Anton Collins (Consultant Radiologist and SRO of NIPACS+ Programme), Joanne Allison (BSO NIPACS+ Programme Manager), Mike Nesbitt (Minister of Health), Melissa Cochrane (BSO Head of Programme Delivery), Stephen Beattie (BSO Interim Director of Strategic Planning and Customer Engagement).

Dr Mark Jenkins, Deputy Medical Director and Emergency Department Consultant at the Northern Trust, praised the benefits the AI system brings to both clinicians and patients.

“AI opens up a whole new dimension in healthcare and has huge benefits for our patients – not just in terms of their overall experience, but also in terms of their diagnosis and treatment.

“This project will help us to reduce the number of any missed fractures that may occur, and it allows us to provide more efficient, accurate diagnostics for our patients.”

Dr Jenkins emphasised that AI is designed to support, not replace, medical expertise:

“It’s important to say that AI is a tool; it is there to support clinical decisions, and it is not meant as a replacement for doctors or other healthcare professionals. AI cannot, and should not, replace the human, we see it very much as an assistive tool and not a replacement.”

Northern Ireland Leading in Medical AI Integration

Watch: Video of the Minster visiting Antrim Area Hospital to witness the Boneview project.

The Regional Medical Imaging Board (RMIB) AI subgroup has developed a regional strategy for AI use in imaging services. The group is now exploring further AI applications, such as reviewing chest X-rays in Radiology and using Digital Pathology imaging to assist with early detection of diseases and cancers.

Joanne Allison, BSO NIPACS+ Programme Manager and Co-Chair of the RMIB AI Subgroup, said:

“This is another major milestone for the NIPACS+ Programme and we are close to having a fully regionalised Boneview solution. This wouldn’t have been possible without the support from Dr Anton Collins, SRO of the NIPACS+ Programme and the support of Digital Health and Care NI (DHCNI).

“The RMIB AI Subgroup is currently identifying need and assessing potential benefits for other medical imaging related algorithms which will also be deployed through NIPACS+, and our supplier Sectra.”

Across participating Trusts, the Boneview technology is already in use by doctors, emergency nurse practitioners and healthcare staff working in EDs and Minor Injuries Units.

Looking Ahead: Wider Applications of AI in Medicine

Dr Eddie Gibson, Consultant Radiologist at the Northern Trust, said the technology is just the beginning of a new era in healthcare innovation:

“While this project is specifically looking at bones, there are lots of other ways AI can be used in medical imaging in the future, including chest x-rays and CTs with the potential to detect cancers earlier.

“It’s exciting for us to be involved in the rollout of this new technology, and see first-hand the benefits for our patients, and for clinicians.”